Dutch: With the project approved I have a vague memory of company going ahead with Eagle anyway but at slower pace and lower capacity. The necessary equipment and components for mine construction they would bring in on winter roads.
Mine could operate in limited capacity, probably more limited by insufficient energy ( diesel generators?) then any thing else, stock piling metals for shipment out, again on winter roads. All the time waiting for that all season road.
Any how that is what I read way back from somewhere, however those seem like desperate measures if feasible. I say IF feasible because most mines it would not be economical, however our nickel ore's value might make it so even with these metal prices.
As you say, we are hoping. Ed.